Bitcoin is once again at a pivotal moment, facing heavy resistance after setting a new all-time high around $124,000 yesterday. The milestone sparked excitement among bulls, but also renewed caution among analysts who warn that slowing momentum could signal a potential market cycle top. Some see the recent hesitation as a sign that buyers may be losing steam at these elevated levels. Related Reading: TRON Long-Term Holders See Massive Gains As TRX Pushes Toward Multi-Year Highs Despite the growing bearish speculation, on-chain data from CryptoQuant offers a more optimistic perspective. The Short-Term Holder Spent Output Profit Ratio (STH SOPR-7d) has climbed to 1.04 with Bitcoin trading near $119,000. This reading means that, on average, short-term holders are selling their coins at a profit — yet the market is successfully absorbing this selling pressure without triggering a sharp correction. Historically, maintaining SOPR above the 1.00–1.02 range, with pullbacks to unity quickly bought up, has supported continued uptrends. While the current amplitude is still below the overheated peaks of past cycles, the data suggests that profit-taking remains moderate. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether BTC can overcome its current resistance zone or if it will face a deeper retracement before attempting another push higher. Moderate Selling Pressure Hits Bitcoin According to top analyst Axel Adler, Bitcoin’s Short-Term Holder Spent Output Profit Ratio (STH SOPR-7d) remains in a healthy range, with amplitude still moderate and well below the peaks of 1.06–1.09 seen in previous bullish waves. This indicates that selling pressure from short-term holders is not extreme, even as BTC trades near its all-time highs. Adler notes that the bullish scenario hinges on maintaining the SOPR-7d above 1.00–1.02, as values above unity mean that short-term holders are, on average, selling at a profit — and the market is absorbing that supply without triggering a larger sell-off. Ideally, brief pullbacks toward 1.00 should be met with strong buying interest, as quick rebounds from unity historically confirm robust demand. However, the analyst cautions that if SOPR dips below 1.0 and stays there, it would signal weakening demand. This shift would increase the probability of a deeper market correction, as it implies that coins are being sold at a loss and buyers are not stepping in aggressively enough to absorb them. The coming days will be pivotal for Bitcoin’s short-term trajectory. Many analysts see BTC pushing decisively above $125,000 as the next major breakout level. Others, however, remain cautious, expecting the market to face a sharp retracement before resuming its upward trend. Related Reading: Bitcoin Volatility Hits 2-Year Low As 30-Day Range Tightens Bitcoin Tests Resistance After Sharp Rejection from New Highs Bitcoin’s daily chart shows the cryptocurrency recently tested a new all-time high near $124,000 before facing swift rejection, pulling back to current levels around $118,777. This drop marks a failure to sustain momentum above the crucial $123,217 resistance zone, highlighted in yellow on the chart. Despite the rejection, BTC remains well-supported above the 50-day moving average (blue), currently near $115,194. This level has consistently acted as a dynamic support during the 2025 uptrend. The 100-day MA (green) at $110,456 and the 200-day MA (red) at $100,144 remain far below, underscoring the strength of the broader bullish structure. Related Reading: Ethereum 30-Day Netflow Average Deepens Negative: Buyers Dominate Market The consolidation below resistance reflects a market pausing to digest recent gains. For bulls, reclaiming $123,217 and closing above $124,000 would signal renewed momentum and could open the path toward $125,000 and beyond. A break below the 50-day MA could trigger a deeper pullback, with the 100-day MA as the next support. Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView
The broader cryptocurrency market has shifted into a heightened bearish phase, causing Bitcoin to drop from its current all-time high of $124,000 to the $117,000 threshold. While bearish pressure is building, indicators such as Bitcoin’s supply dynamics are providing insights about the current state of the market and investors’ sentiment. What Bitcoin Supply Data Says About The Market Bitcoin’s price has fallen sharply after reaching a new all-time high on Thursday, which has sparked speculation about the current state of the market. Amidst the growing speculations, Boris, a crypto trader and on-chain expert, has provided a detailed analysis of the current state of BTC’s market, using the supply dynamics. Bitcoin supply patterns are currently painting a vivid picture of investor behavior, accumulation tendencies, and possible price direction, as well as the market’s health . Boris’ examination of the supply dynamics hinges on the behavior of long-term holders and short-term holders. As Bitcoin rose to its all-time high, supply dynamics revealed a stark divergence between these different groups of investors. Presently, long-term BTC holders are steadily offloading their holdings while short-term BTC holders are persistently accumulating the asset at a rapid rate. This divergence in sentiment between the groups indicates that the market is currently in a post-all-time high stress test. A post-all-time high stress test reflects a phase where the boundaries of market resiliency and investor belief are being tested. With short-term holders holding strong and long-term traders responding aggressively to price fluctuations, the present phase is determining whether BTC can maintain its value and momentum following the recent high. Data shows that long-term holders’ supply saw a drop from 15.50 million BTC to 15.28 million BTC, which is an indication of profit-taking. Meanwhile, the supply of short-term holders rose from 4.38 million BTC to 4.61 million BTC, suggesting that the cohort is capitalizing on recent rallies . According to the on-chain expert, this change demonstrates that STHs followed the trend and increased risk, while LTHs responded to the rally with sales. After a short period, Bitcoin’s price quickly fell back from about $124,000, putting late buyers through a stress test. Furthermore, Boris noted that the final wave exhibits a classic market pattern where experienced holders limit their exposure and short-term holders accumulate close to the top. Such a development typically signals a loss of momentum. Short-Term BTC Holders Are Showing Strength A recent research from Glassnode, a leading on-chain data analytics firm, has also revealed an underlying strength among short-term BTC holders. The platform’s research is solely focused on the Bitcoin Short-Term Holder SOPR Indicator . Specifically, this key metric tracks whether new investors are selling at a profit or loss. As BTC’s price surges, the metric temporarily dipped below neutral levels, but quickly recovered and rose above neutral. This move, according to Glassnode, shows limited realized losses and indicates that new Bitcoin investors are prepared to protect their cost basis, which is currently close to $112,000.
BitcoinWorld Massive ETH Transfer: Unveiling a Crucial Crypto Whale Transaction to Coinbase Institutional A significant event recently caught the attention of the cryptocurrency world: a massive ETH transfer . Reports from Whale Alert confirmed that a substantial 44,431 ETH, valued at approximately $205 million, moved from an unknown wallet directly to Coinbase Institutional . This substantial crypto whale transaction immediately sparked discussions about its potential implications for the Ethereum price and the broader landscape of institutional crypto adoption. What does such a significant movement truly signify for the market? What Just Happened? Decoding This Major ETH Transfer The cryptocurrency tracking service, Whale Alert, precisely pinpointed the transfer of 44,431 ETH. This large sum originated from a wallet tagged as “unknown,” meaning its owner’s identity is not publicly linked to a known entity or exchange. The destination was clearly identified as Coinbase Institutional, a specialized platform designed for large-scale corporate and institutional investors. Such a considerable ETH transfer , worth over two hundred million dollars, is not an everyday occurrence. It immediately draws attention from market analysts and participants alike. Understanding the nature of the sender and receiver is crucial to interpreting the potential impact of this event. Unknown Wallet: This term often refers to a wallet whose owner hasn’t been publicly identified or associated with a major exchange or service. It could belong to an individual whale, a private fund, or even an early investor. Coinbase Institutional: This is Coinbase’s dedicated arm for institutional clients, offering advanced trading tools, custody solutions, and prime brokerage services. Transfers to such platforms often suggest strategic financial moves rather than speculative retail trading. Why Does a Crypto Whale Transaction Matter? When a “crypto whale” — an individual or entity holding a massive amount of cryptocurrency — makes a significant move, the market often pays close attention. These large transactions can influence market sentiment and potentially affect asset prices. This particular crypto whale transaction to Coinbase Institutional raises several questions. One primary concern is whether such a large deposit to an exchange could signal an impending sale, which might exert downward pressure on the Ethereum price . However, the destination being Coinbase Institutional suggests other possibilities beyond a simple market dump. Often, large deposits to institutional platforms are for purposes like: Over-the-Counter (OTC) Deals: Whales might use institutional desks to execute large trades without directly impacting public exchange order books. This helps prevent significant price slippage. Custody Solutions: The ETH could be moving into secure, regulated custody for long-term holding by an institution or high-net-worth individual. Rebalancing Portfolios: Large funds frequently rebalance their asset allocations, and this transfer could be part of a broader strategy. Therefore, while the sheer size of the ETH transfer is notable, its implications are not always straightforward selling pressure. Is This a Sign of Growing Institutional Crypto Adoption? The transfer specifically to Coinbase Institutional is a key detail. It highlights the increasing role of professional financial entities in the crypto space. The demand for robust, compliant, and secure services for managing large crypto holdings continues to grow, underpinning the rise of platforms like Coinbase Institutional. This event could certainly be viewed as another piece of evidence pointing towards strengthening institutional crypto adoption. As more traditional financial players, corporations, and large funds enter the market, they often prefer regulated and secure avenues like institutional exchanges and custodians. Moreover, the continuous flow of capital into these institutional channels suggests a maturing market. These entities typically conduct extensive due diligence before committing significant capital, implying a long-term perspective on digital assets like Ethereum. What Could Be Next for Ethereum Price and the Market? Predicting the exact impact on Ethereum price following such a large ETH transfer is challenging. While some might fear a sell-off, the institutional nature of the receiving wallet suggests a more strategic purpose. Investors and analysts will closely monitor market movements for any signs of the ETH being sold or moved further. Ultimately, this transaction reinforces the growing importance of institutional crypto in shaping the market narrative. Their involvement often brings increased liquidity, stability, and legitimacy to the digital asset ecosystem. The long-term trend appears to be one of increasing institutional engagement. It is always advisable for market participants to conduct their own research and consider multiple perspectives when interpreting large whale movements. These transfers are often just one piece of a much larger, complex market puzzle. Key Takeaways: A significant 44,431 ETH moved to Coinbase Institutional. This crypto whale transaction highlights ongoing large-scale market activity. The destination suggests potential OTC deals or secure custody, not necessarily an immediate sell-off. It underscores the continuous growth in institutional crypto interest and adoption. Market watchers will monitor the Ethereum price for any subsequent movements or impacts. This event serves as a powerful reminder of the dynamic nature of the cryptocurrency market, where large players continue to make their presence felt, influencing trends and perceptions. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What is a crypto whale transaction? A crypto whale transaction refers to the movement of a very large amount of cryptocurrency by an individual or entity (a “whale”) who holds significant digital assets. These transactions are closely watched due to their potential to influence market sentiment and prices. Q2: What is Coinbase Institutional? Coinbase Institutional is a specialized platform provided by Coinbase for institutional clients. It offers advanced trading, custody, and prime brokerage services tailored for large corporations, hedge funds, and other professional investors. Q3: Does a large ETH transfer always mean a price drop? Not necessarily. While a large transfer to an exchange can signal an intent to sell, a transfer to an institutional platform like Coinbase Institutional might indicate other strategic moves, such as OTC deals, secure custody, or portfolio rebalancing, which do not always lead to immediate selling pressure. Q4: How does institutional crypto adoption affect the market? Increased institutional crypto adoption generally brings greater legitimacy, liquidity, and stability to the cryptocurrency market. Institutions often conduct thorough due diligence, and their long-term involvement can foster market maturity and confidence. Did you find this analysis of the ETH transfer insightful? Share this article with your network on social media to help others understand the dynamics of large crypto movements and institutional involvement! To learn more about the latest Ethereum trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Ethereum institutional adoption. This post Massive ETH Transfer: Unveiling a Crucial Crypto Whale Transaction to Coinbase Institutional first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team
Key Highlights: Bitcoin plunged from $123,800 to $117,180 after Treasury’s remarks. Daily liquidations exceeded $963M as market reacted to policy uncertainty. Despite clarification, Bitcoin has yet to recover to its earlier all-time high. Treasury Minister’s Remarks Spark Bitcoin Sell-Off On the evening of August 14, 2025, Bitcoin’s price suddenly dropped from $123,800 to $117,180 after comments from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. In an interview with Fox Business, Bessent stated: “We’ve also started — to get into the 21st Century — a bitcoin strategic reserve. We’re not going to be buying that, but we are going to use confiscated assets and continue to build that up. We’re going to stop selling that.” Initially, this declaration signaled a halt in government Bitcoin accumulation, fueling panic and a sharp correction. At the time of writing, Bitcoin remains just below $119,000, with the all-time high above $124,000 reached earlier that night. When asked if initiatives like the Bitcoin reserve and gold revaluation were part of a sovereign fund plan, Bessent responded: “These are all great, original ideas. But they require the infrastructure to be built for legalization and oversight. However, it is the right step in terms of securing a future for the next generation.” Liquidation Wave and Market Sentiment Triggered by Bessent’s statements, the daily volume of liquidations exceeded $963 million, mainly affecting leveraged positions in Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies. Market capitalization for Bitcoin fell from $2.48 trillion to $2.33 trillion, per TradingView. The crypto community also linked this turbulence to the resignation of Bo Hines, the head of the Presidential Working Group on Crypto Assets, deepening concerns about sector leadership. Treasury Walks Back Statement, Market Remains Shaken After backlash, Bessent issued a follow-up statement clarifying that the US Treasury seeks “budget-neutral” options for reserve growth, not direct purchases from the Treasury. Community members joked that “someone whispered” to the minister about the fallout, while others saw the shifting stance as evasion of responsibility. As one commentator noted: “It’s all out in the open now. The government doesn’t care about Bitcoin. They just want to line the pockets of insiders.” Braiins CEO Eli Nagar expressed frustration, remarking the agency was still “looking for ways,” and describing it as an attempt to shirk responsibility.
BitcoinWorld Bitcoin Investment Strategy: USBC’s Strategic Rebrand Unlocks New Potential The cryptocurrency world often witnesses fascinating transformations, and a recent announcement from Know Labs perfectly illustrates this dynamic shift. On August 15, the proprietary non-invasive diagnostic technology platform Know Labs revealed a significant change: it has rebranded as USBC and will now focus its financial strategy on a bold Bitcoin investment strategy . This pivot marks a remarkable departure from its previous core business, signaling a new era for the company in the burgeoning digital asset space. Investors and industry observers are keenly watching this strategic evolution, eager to understand its potential impact on both the company’s future and the broader digital asset landscape. What Prompted the USBC Rebranding? Know Labs, a company previously recognized for its innovative non-invasive diagnostic technology, made a surprising move by announcing its USBC rebranding . This decision, formally communicated via a press release on GlobeNewswire, signifies a complete reorientation of the company’s strategic priorities. Instead of developing and commercializing healthcare solutions, USBC will now operate primarily as an investment vehicle, with a clear focus on digital assets. The shift raises important questions about the fate of its diagnostic technology portfolio. It appears the company has made a deliberate choice to reallocate its resources, aiming to capitalize on the potentially high returns offered by the cryptocurrency market. This strategic pivot highlights the increasing allure of digital assets for traditional businesses seeking new avenues for growth and profitability in an ever-evolving global economy. Embracing a Bold Bitcoin Investment Strategy At the core of USBC’s new direction is its unwavering commitment to a comprehensive Bitcoin investment strategy . This involves allocating a significant portion of its capital to acquire and hold Bitcoin, with the explicit goal of benefiting from its long-term appreciation. The company asserts that Bitcoin, as the preeminent cryptocurrency, offers a robust store of value and substantial growth potential within the rapidly expanding global financial ecosystem. While many corporations are exploring digital asset investment , few make it their central business model. USBC’s decision to center its entire financial strategy around Bitcoin underscores a profound conviction in the cryptocurrency’s future trajectory. This direct approach could offer shareholders unique exposure to the digital economy without the complexities often associated with direct technological development or product commercialization. Key potential benefits of this strategy include: Exposure to a High-Growth Asset: Bitcoin has historically demonstrated significant growth potential, offering a pathway for substantial returns. Inflation Hedge Potential: Many view Bitcoin as a hedge against traditional fiat currency inflation, providing a diversified asset class. Simplified Operations: Shifting from complex R&D and product cycles to asset management can streamline operations. Implications of this Corporate Strategy Shift The corporate strategy shift from a healthcare technology firm to a dedicated Bitcoin investment entity carries significant and far-reaching implications. For existing shareholders of Know Labs, their investment now directly correlates with the performance of Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market, rather than the success of specific diagnostic technologies. This change fundamentally alters the risk profile and potential returns for investors, introducing a new level of market volatility. Moreover, this bold move could establish a precedent for other companies contemplating similar pivots in their business models. It clearly demonstrates a willingness to adapt and embrace emerging financial paradigms. However, it also introduces inherent challenges, as the value of Bitcoin can fluctuate dramatically. USBC will need to navigate these market dynamics with astute risk management and a clear long-term vision. Potential challenges include: Market Volatility: Bitcoin’s price is notoriously volatile, which could lead to significant fluctuations in USBC’s asset value. Regulatory Uncertainty: The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies is still evolving, posing potential risks. Public Perception: Shifting from a socially impactful tech to pure investment might affect public and investor perception. Know Labs Transformation: A New Era Unfolds The Know Labs transformation into USBC represents much more than a mere name change; it signifies a fundamental redefinition of its entire business model and purpose. This decisive move positions USBC squarely within the burgeoning digital asset economy, moving entirely away from its origins in healthcare innovation. It showcases a company willing to shed its past identity to pursue what it perceives as a more promising and profitable financial future. This transformation reflects a broader, accelerating trend where companies across various sectors are increasingly recognizing the immense potential of cryptocurrencies. It’s a compelling testament to the growing mainstream acceptance and burgeoning institutional interest in digital assets like Bitcoin. USBC’s journey from a diagnostic platform to a Bitcoin-focused investment firm is undoubtedly a unique and compelling case study in corporate adaptation and strategic foresight in the digital age. This evolution underscores the dynamic nature of modern business and finance. In conclusion, the rebranding of Know Labs to USBC and its adoption of a dedicated Bitcoin investment strategy marks a truly pivotal moment in corporate history. This bold corporate strategy shift into digital asset investment highlights the growing confidence in cryptocurrencies as a legitimate and powerful asset class. While it introduces a new set of risks and challenges inherent to the crypto market, it simultaneously opens up exciting opportunities for significant growth in a rapidly evolving financial world. USBC’s future will now be intricately linked to the performance and trajectory of Bitcoin, making it a compelling case study for corporate adaptation and innovation in the digital age. This strategic move could inspire other companies to reconsider their own paths. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What was Know Labs’ original business focus? A1: Know Labs was originally a proprietary non-invasive diagnostic technology platform, focused on developing healthcare solutions. Q2: Why did Know Labs rebrand to USBC? A2: Know Labs rebranded to USBC to shift its primary focus and financial strategy towards a dedicated Bitcoin investment strategy , aiming to capitalize on the growth potential of digital assets. Q3: What does USBC’s Bitcoin investment strategy entail? A3: USBC’s strategy involves allocating significant capital to acquire and hold Bitcoin, with the goal of benefiting from its long-term appreciation as a leading cryptocurrency and store of value. Q4: What are the potential risks associated with this corporate strategy shift? A4: The main risks include market volatility of Bitcoin, regulatory uncertainty in the cryptocurrency space, and potential shifts in public or investor perception due to the change from a tech firm to an investment vehicle. Q5: How does this transformation impact Know Labs’ former diagnostic technology? A5: The rebranding and strategic pivot suggest that the company’s resources and focus have shifted away from its diagnostic technology, prioritizing digital asset investment instead. Did you find this deep dive into USBC’s bold strategic shift insightful? Share this article with your network on social media to spark a conversation about corporate innovation and the future of digital asset investment! To learn more about the latest Bitcoin investment strategy trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Bitcoin institutional adoption . This post Bitcoin Investment Strategy: USBC’s Strategic Rebrand Unlocks New Potential first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team
XRP Open Interest Surges Above $3 Billion XRP's open interest has surged back above $3 billion, signaling a notable shift in market dynamics. This resurgence follows months of subdued activity, indicating that traders are re-engaging with significant positions. Open interest refers to the total value of outstanding futures and options contracts. An increase in open interest suggests that more traders are entering the market, often with leveraged positions, which can amplify price movements. The recent spike in XRP's open interest indicates a growing confidence among traders and a potential buildup of volatility. This uptick in open interest coincides with XRP's price trading at $3.11, within a range between $3.04 and $3.14. Technical indicators suggest that XRP is approaching a critical juncture. A breakout above the $3.40 resistance level could pave the way for a rally toward the $3.65 all-time high. Conversely, failure to maintain support at $3.00 might lead to a decline toward lower support levels. The resurgence in open interest is also mirrored in the futures market. XRP futures have seen a significant increase in open interest, with some exchanges reporting levels as high as $8.68 billion. This indicates a substantial influx of capital and heightened speculative activity. The weighted funding rate, a metric indicating the cost of holding long positions, has also risen, suggesting that traders are increasingly betting on upward price movements. Market analysts view this resurgence as a precursor to potential increased volatility. The combination of rising open interest, technical resistance levels, and speculative positioning sets the stage for a significant price movement in the near future. XRP ETFs Offer a Paradigm Shift Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse is clear, “XRP ETFs represent the transition from speculative retail trading to institutional adoption.” His words capture a simple market truth that exchange-traded funds (ETFs) don’t just expand access, they transform ownership and usage. If XRP follows suit, the playbook is clear just like spot Bitcoin ETFs, a regulated XRP ETF would provide compliant custody, tickered access for institutions, and a frictionless path for long-term capital, potentially reshaping market structure as $65 billion did for Bitcoin. The infrastructure is already in motion fast with major asset managers, such as Bitwise, Grayscale, and 21Shares, having already filed for XRP products, with U.S. regulators formally acknowledging several proposals, a key step signaling imminent approvals and listings. Regulatory uncertainty around XRP has eased in 2025, such as the conclusion of the Ripple vs SEC case, paving the way for mainstream products, a backdrop fueling manager filings and Ripple CEO Garlinghouse’s optimism. What Garlinghouse’s statement really signals is a change of narrative. ETFs recast XRP from an exchange-traded speculative token into an investable institutional asset class candidate, one that could sit alongside stocks and bonds in portfolios rather than only in crypto wallets. If regulators and exchanges follow through, the next wave of inflows would be less about retail FOMO and more about strategic allocation, liquidity, and productized access, the hallmarks of institutional adoption. Conclusion Garlinghouse’s point is precise that an approved XRP spot ETF would shift XRP from a retail-driven, OTC asset to a mainstream institutional investment. Meanwhile, the resurgence of XRP's open interest above $3 billion is a clear indicator that traders are re-engaging with the asset. This renewed interest, coupled with favorable legal developments, sets the stage for potential heightened volatility and significant price movements in the near future.
Bitcoin price bounces back to $118,500 after dipping to $117,180. HYPE Coin gains investor confidence with ambitious $75 target. Continue Reading: Cryptocurrency Experts Make Bold Moves in a Volatile Market The post Cryptocurrency Experts Make Bold Moves in a Volatile Market appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
Tech firms like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are increasingly taking a keen interest in energy matters as their data centers push up electricity bills for citizens. When utilities regulators met in Anaheim in November last year, tech firms were a prominent presence as delegates donned Google-branded lanyards while Microsoft and Amazon sponsored networking activities and led panel discussions, respectively. Apparently, Amazon and Microsoft are already repurposing old energy plants in Europe to power AI needs. Data centers drain energy, impacting domestic consumers This strong presence shows a significant shift as firms that used to be solely focused on digital services are now heavily involved in energy markets. In 2023, the power-draining data centers consumed about 4% of America’s generated electricity. Within three years from today, government analysis suggests this might reach about 12%. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has acknowledged the challenge, saying energy is the biggest constraint, a problem that is also piling pressure on households. A decisive confrontation occurred last December in Columbus. Technology companies, including Amazon, Google and Microsoft submitted an unprecedented independent proposal to utility regulator PUCO, seeking reduced infrastructure payments for their planned data centers. This followed American Electric Power’s warning that servicing 90 new facilities would need six times Ohio’s current output. The utility had also indicated that households would end up battling the high costs of energy without serious upfront planning. However, the commissioners, after months of deliberation, unanimously turned down the technology firm’s proposal. PUCO chair Jenifer French stated the ruling “safeguards non-data-centre customers” by creating a new rate classification. The immediate effect is clear: typical Ohio bills rose by at least $15 monthly from June. Northern Virginia exemplifies long-term consumer risks. In 2010, developer Unicorn Interests secured approval for a Manassas data center requiring $42 million (£33 million) in grid upgrades. When the project was delayed four years, residents absorbed maintenance costs for unused infrastructure. Google and other tech firms balance innovation and equity Technology companies found themselves in dual roles. While data centers drive unprecedented electricity demand, their energy subsidiaries have sold $2.7 billion (£2.1 billion) of power since 2015. Microsoft energy chief Bobby Hollis insists: “We don’t want to see other customers bearing the cost.” Yet, traditional utilities recover infrastructure investments through decades of consumer billing. The technology companies say they are open to compromises. In an interview, Amanda Peterson Corio, a Google executive responsible for data center energy, pointed to a deal with American Electric Power’s subsidiary in Indiana and consumer groups in that state, where tech companies agreed to pay some grid upgrade costs upfront to allay concerns about canceled or delayed projects. But under that deal, data centers are not put into a new rate class. “You start to isolate different classes and start to allocate who we’re going to give power to and who we’re not,” Ms. Corio said. “That goes against every construct of how our electricity system was designed, which is to be open access.” Tech companies say they plan to keep building data centers, but where those sites will be is uncertain. That puts utilities at risk of building more than their area needs. Microsoft, for example, announced plans in October to build three data center campuses that would require power from the Ohio utility. But six months later — before regulators ruled against the tech industry — Microsoft changed its data center strategy and said it was putting the Ohio projects on ice. For the foreseeable future, those sites would remain farmland. Complicating matters, technology firms operate without the ownership restrictions facing utilities. With artificial intelligence’s expansion accelerating, the question remains how society distributes both its benefits and costs. Your crypto news deserves attention - KEY Difference Wire puts you on 250+ top sites
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